Published at Monday, April 09th, 2018 - 12:42:59 PM. Hockey Gear and Equipment. By Henrike Elvira.

Catch Glove. In today's game many believe that bigger is always better when it comes to a goaltender's glove. This is not true. Having a glove that is too big will limit a goaltender's ability to catch and control the puck. Here are two tips to follow when fitting a glove. First from the end of the finger channels to the tips of a goaltender's fingers there should be no more than 1/4 of an inch of space. Second the heel of the goaltender's hand and the heel/cuff of the glove should line up.

Enthusiasm is contagious. If you find it hard to drag yourself into the rink and onto the ice for practice how can you expect your players to be engaged and motivated? We have a few tricks to keep everyone excited about practice. Sometimes we'll pump music over the PA system to get players moving. Or we'll start practice with a small area game to get the competitive juices flowing.

Players must learn to protect themselves especially along the boards. When going into the corner use some fakes with your body stick or skates to avoid being a stationary target. Keep your skates parallel to the boards rather than pointing toward the boards. As soon as you pick up the puck move out of the area quickly. If you can′t avoid being checked position yourself to accept the blow. If you are checked from the side keep your head up get a good stable position feet apart knees bent body in a low position forearms and hands on the boards.